Summary
In her essay “One Way or Another Everything Changes,” Naomi Klein addresses the devastating impact of climate change on the planet, how people perceive this issue, and its potential solutions. According to her, even the most insignificant human activities related to climate have already led to irreversible and massive changes in the whole system (Klein 1). At the same time, both ordinary citizens and governments remain predominantly unresponsive to this problem due to a lack of interest and personal benefits. This paper will describe Klein’s main arguments, which help her prove that people’s realization of the issue’s significance and collective actions may not only prevent climate change but also contribute to equality and justice in society.
Main Arguments
First of all, a large number of people do not focus on climate change even when they face its consequences. According to the author, they either forget about this problem, refuse to pay attention due to comfort-related habits, or deny its existence and importance, relying on modern technologies and governments for its solution (Klein 2). At the same time, the most powerful message Klein refers to is the fact that people prefer to ignore this threat due to fear of it; however, without the understanding of personal responsibility and that collective actions are necessary, climate change will not be minimized (4).
The author also demonstrates that governments and large companies are not interested in solutions, as the speculations on climate change bring substantial financial benefits (Klein 6). Moreover, the consequences of climate change are used to initiate social, political, and economic changes in their favor (Klein 10). Thus, if people continue to ignore climate change, making authorities responsible for responsive actions, they will continue to be exploited (Klein 28). While massive changes in every individual’s life may be viewed as threatening, preserving the planet for future generations is more important.
Personal Opinion
I agree with the author’s position and find it highly reasonable – indeed, humanity demonstrates corrupted logic, reporting about climate change, and developing more ways to contribute to the aggravation of the problem. Moreover, as governments do not invest in the solution to this problem, they benefit from the negative consequences of climate change in other states. These tendencies lead to inequalities and social tension, while climate-related changes become more and more serious. I agree with the author concerning the necessity of a crisis plan for the whole world, as long as it is still possible to save it.
Work Cited
Klein, Naomi. “One Way or Another Everything Changes.” This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs the Climate, edited by Naomi Klein, Simon & Schuster, Inc., 2014, pp. 1-37.